[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 44 (Tuesday, March 6, 2012)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 13181-13182]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-5553]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 44 / Tuesday, March 6, 2012 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 13181]]

                Proclamation 8778 of March 1, 2012

                
American Red Cross Month, 2012

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                After more than 130 years of providing humanitarian 
                relief at home and abroad, the American Red Cross 
                remains a reflection of the compassion and generosity 
                central to our national identity. At moments of 
                profound need, the actions of men and women across our 
                country reflect our noblest ideals of service--from 
                search-and-rescue teams that brave disaster zones to 
                ordinary citizens who deliver not only lifesaving care 
                and supplies, but also hope for a brighter tomorrow. 
                During American Red Cross Month, we pay tribute to all 
                those whose dedication to relieving human suffering 
                illuminates even our darkest hours.

                A visionary humanitarian and unyielding advocate for 
                those in need, Clara Barton founded the American Red 
                Cross in 1881 after many years of tending to soldiers 
                and families injured in war's wake. In the generations 
                that followed, the American Red Cross served as a force 
                for peace and recovery during times of crisis. 
                Presidents of the United States have called upon the 
                American Red Cross time and again, beginning when 
                President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Red Cross Week 
                during the First World War, and continuing into the 
                21st century.

                Today, emergency response organizations like the 
                American Red Cross continue to play a vital role in 
                responding to disasters that cast countless lives and 
                communities into harm's way. When devastating storms 
                struck cities spanning the Midwest to the Eastern 
                Seaboard this past year, the American Red Cross and 
                other relief organizations were instrumental partners 
                in preparedness, response, and recovery. And when a 
                devastating earthquake shook Japan's Pacific coast, 
                they answered by extending support to the people of 
                Japan and standing with them as they rebuild.

                We are reminded in times like these that the strength 
                of our humanitarian response and the measure of our 
                resilience are drawn not only from the committed action 
                of relief organizations, but also from individuals who 
                step forward, volunteer, or give what they can to help 
                their neighbors in need. With generous spirits and can-
                do attitudes, Americans from every corner of our 
                country have come together again and again to show the 
                true character of our Nation. As we celebrate American 
                Red Cross Month, let us resolve to preserve and renew 
                that humanitarian impulse to save, to serve, and to 
                build, and carry it forward in the year to come.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the 
                United States of America and Honorary Chairman of the 
                American Red Cross, by virtue of the authority vested 
                in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United 
                States, do hereby proclaim March 2012 as American Red 
                Cross Month. I encourage all Americans to observe this 
                month with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and 
                activities, and by supporting the work of service and 
                relief organizations.

[[Page 13182]]

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                first day of March, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand twelve, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and thirty-sixth. 
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 2012-5553
Filed 3-5-12; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3295-F2-P